Forbidden Blog

The Winter Blues

This blog entry is not about the differences between Seasonal Affective, various Anxiety, and Depressive Disorders. However, to briefly recap I think the following depression/anxiety meme does a nice job. ​And while SAD is generally a type of depression, many people who experience anxiety and depressive episodes know there are certain times of the year when things get worse. For some us, it's particularly winter like those who would fall into the SAD group (a ridiculous acronym I might add).

If you're still reading at this point (first, thank you) then you can probably relate to some of the words on your screen. Don't worry, this isn't a sappy article about depression; instead, it's 6 ideas I've put together to help get through the hellish months of winter.

Maybe you don't fit into any of the aforementioned but are just feeling the winter blues. Well then-- this is still for you. Read on.

#6 Get a Buddy.

If you're reading this, here is an interesting thought: This an entire page about Seasonal Affective Disorder and such. So, that sort of means plenty of people are feeling the same way right about now. Or maybe the Internet is broken and my site is the last sole survivor.

​Who knows? You might . . .

​You might just know someone in a similar spot as you, and if you're not chipper enough to go out and save the world (which might also help you feel better, but I would recommend starting small), maybe the two of you could simply spend the winter saving each other.

Lori Chandler

Big Think

THIS GIVE-AND-TAKE BETWEEN SEEING THE EXQUISITE WONDER OF THE WORLD BESIDE ITS BLEAKNESS . . .

#4 Ya Don't Always Need to Laugh it Off.

In the following video, one of my favorite points Ildiko Tabori, Ph.D., makes (which you can learn more about here) is that comedy is "therapeutic, but it is not therapy."

She specifically works with entertainers, and the focus of the video is on comedians. However, I think it's a crucial thought to tuck away in the back of the ole noggin'. While laughing things off is fine and may help relax you for a moment, it's always best to address them seriously.

#3 Vary Your Vices.

Touching back on the video with Tabori for a moment . . . She brings up the fact entertainers often find themselves shuffled and out of place. Alone. Some times they are bored. When this strange cocktail mixes together, they turn to the easiest forms of entertainment, which often leads to substance abuse.

I'm not going to preach here, but you know, be safe if you're ever feeling low. Too much of anything if bad, even if you thing youjust smoke. You can always find other, friendlier habits to break up the excess.

#2 Demand All You Need; Want Less.

Jim Carrey is not often the go-to guy for full-proof advice, but in the following commencement video, he truly is inspirational. Essentially, he urges everyone to demand all they need from life--such as he did, he quite often brags--and try to want a little less of the superfluous. (And if you really have the time, you should check out the entire story of the painting.)

#1 Use Your Creativity.

Well, I hope some of these ideas help you get through SAD, depression, anxiety, or just the plain ole winter blues. Don't be surprised to see a Part II in the future. And also, if you have your own great advice for braving the winter months, feel free to leave it in the comments below.

You Might Also Enjoy

Did I mention I like to read and write to get through the blues? Click on one of these guys to keep reading.

The little guy reading a book is a link to my store, and the hands holding a dollar bill represent my $1 No-Injury Policy eBook--just so you know. The rest are all blog entries and free stories, such as the candy cane and the zombie. Santa is a good click if you like to watch Holiday celebrations go down in flames.